ManUp South Jersey will return to the Diocese of Camden this November, guiding men to a “glorious encounter” with Jesus and bringing them to a “spiritual awakening” that will help them transform their families and communities, says Deacon Anthony Cioe, executive director of the organization.
Taking place Nov. 12 at Paul VI High School’s Conference Center in Haddonfield, the day’s offerings – fellowship, keynote talks from national Catholic speakers, music, and opportunities for Adoration and Confession – are “designed to create an opportunity and environment for men to encounter Christ in a special way. There’s something there for everyone,” says Deacon Cioe, who serves in Turnersville’s Saints Peter and Paul Parish.
At ManUp, men of all ages can “pull back from the things of this world” and a culture that bombards them “with information that is not teaching them to be good Christians, that is asking them to be something they shouldn’t be,” he continued.
The various backgrounds and experiences of the keynote speakers will ensure that at some point, men of any age group – son, brother, husband, father, grandfather – will find a connection, be enlightened, and, as the theme of the day promises, find them going back to their homes “Bringing Christ to the World.”
The speakers include public speaker and author Father Larry Richards, founder of The Reason For Our Hope Foundation; Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Catholic author, researcher and associate professor of Hispanic ministry and religious education at Boston College; Ed Wade, former general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Dr. Thomas D. Jones, a veteran U.S. astronaut, pilot, scientist and author.
In addition, translation devices will be available for the Spanish-speaking community.
“The day will be a witness to the diversity of our Diocese,” says Andrés Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry, the diocesan director of evangelization and ManUp committee member. In addition, Dr. Ospino, a “well-respected theologian who knows the realities of the Latino Church and [understands] how all can walk in fellowship with this community … will appeal to all,” Arango says.
Many men, he continues, “are searching for happiness and joy in the things of this world – money, fame – but it’s only temporary.” These individuals “need brothers to walk with them, [those] with the same Christian values and goals so they don’t feel alone. … We are one family: the people of God in South Jersey.”
Deacon Cioe says he is confident that after experiencing ManUp, attendees will return home seeking to learn and live their faith more, and “become better husbands, fathers, sons, employees – better men. Through the example of their lives, they will become missionary disciples who lead others to the joy of a Christ-centered life.”
“The [ManUp] environment itself will open them to the workings of the Holy Spirit, and help them leave that day with faith and strength,” he says.
For more information or to register, visit manupsouthjersey.com.
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